What is "drag" in the context of rocket flight?

In the context of rocket flight, drag refers to air resistance that acts against the rocket's motion as it travels through the atmosphere. This force opposes the forward thrust generated by the rocket's engines. As the rocket accelerates, it encounters air molecules, which create friction and resistance, leading to a reduction in speed. Understanding drag is crucial for rocket design and flight planning since high levels of drag can significantly impact the rocket's ascent, stability, and overall performance.

Drag is a key factor that engineers consider when calculating the rocket's trajectory and necessary speed to reach desired altitudes or velocities. Effective design strategies, such as streamlining the rocket's shape, are employed to reduce drag as much as possible to ensure the rocket can achieve its flight objectives efficiently.